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By Miriam Raftery
November 27, 2012 (La Mesa)—ECM writer Kristin Kjaero has asked us to post a request from a friend stationed in Afghanistan with the Army Corps of Engineers. He seeks donations of twin-sized blankets for 300 female students. Below is his letter, which tells their remarkable story.
Please read it, and consider donating new or second-hand blankets to bring some much-needed comforts to these courageous and determined young women.
Dear Friends and Family,
There are a group of young women in a local city that are attending school. To give you an idea how remarkable this is, consider the following:
1. They can't go home on break - the roads are not safe to travel. Some of them haven't been home in 6-7 years.
2. If the Taliban finds them and gets access, they will be shot or burned.
3. They and young people like them are the future of this country. If we don't support their efforts, the future of Afghanistan is very bleak.
4. Their families are very poor but chose to send their daughters to school because they believe in their children.
These ladies are living in very rough conditions. No heat, primitive plumbing, bad water, doubtful electricity. Think of the worst camping episode you have ever been involved with. Now imagine living like that while going to school.
Our unit is doing everything we can to upgrade their condition, as are others.
Now here's the pitch - we need twin-size blankets. If everyone on my friends and family list steps up, we can make a difference. 5-10 years from now you will see some of these young women on TV, making history in Afghanistan. You won't know them but they will darn sure remember you.
Folks, this isn't about Muslim vs. Christian or the USA vs. the Taliban. This is about young people trying to make a better life for themselves and bring their country into the modern world. If we do our part, I guarantee you that they will do theirs.
Send blankets to:
Courtney Millburn
71st EN DET (FEST-A)
USFOR-A DET NORTH
Camp Marmal
APO, AE 09368
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